Amendments to Rule 39, Rule 131, and Rule 132 of the Rules of Court in Relation to Foreign Divorces (Re: Proposed Rule on Recognition of Foreign Divorce or Judgment of Nullity or Annulment of Marriage)

- -- ----- -------- • Resolution 5 A.M. No. 25-03-14-SC October 7, 2026 referred to in the next preceding sentence, the certificate may be made by a secretary of the embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice-consul, or consular agent or by any officer in the foreign service of the Philippines stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept, and authenticated by the seal of his or her office. A document that is accompanied by a certificate or its equivalent may be presented in evidence without further proof, the certificate or its equivalent being prima facie evidence of the due execution and genuineness of the document involved. The certificate shall not be required when a treaty or convention between a foreign country and the Philippines has abolished the requirement, or has exempted the document itself from this formality . . In opposing a divorce under .Section 48-A of :Rule 39, the oppositor may, arnong other modes allowed by the Rules, prove a foreign law on divorce, including its corresponding English translation, if any, by presenting in evidence a certified true copy of the same issued by the Office of the Court Administrator based on its repository of such foreign laws. This. is without prejudice to the submission of proof that the said law has been modified, amended, or repealed, oir that such English translation is inaccurate. (Amendments in boldface and underscored) The foregoing amendments shall take effect after 15 calendar days from posting on the Supreme Court Website. October 7, 2026.